A Metropolitan Police officer who served with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command has denied carrying out sex attacks on four women.

Pc David Carrick, 46, who has been suspended from duty, faces 20 charges relating to dates between March 2017 and September last year.

He is alleged to have raped one woman he met on dating app Tinder, falsely imprisoned another in a cupboard under the stairs, and sexually assaulted three of the complainants by urinating on them.

Carrick, of Stevenage, appeared by video-link at St Albans Crown Court from high-security Belmarsh prison.

Watford Observer: St Albans Crown Court (google street view)St Albans Crown Court (google street view)

He sat throughout the hearing on Friday, wearing a dark suit, and speaking to confirm his name before pleading not guilty to the charges relating to four women, who cannot be identified because they are alleged victims of sex offences.

The charges include seven counts of rape, five of sexual assault, three of assault by penetration, two of false imprisonment, two of controlling and coercive behaviour and one of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

Patrick Hill, defending, made no application for bail and Judge Michael Kay QC remanded Carrick in custody.

The judge set a provisional trial date of April 26 for the case which is expected to last around six weeks at St Albans Crown Court, although it may be heard at the Old Bailey.

Carrick will next appear in court for a mention hearing on January 28.